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Describe the functions of the Network Slice Gateway Part (NSGP) in the 5G Core network.

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5G Core network, network slicing is a fundamental concept that enables the creation of multiple virtual networks (slices) on top of a shared physical network infrastructure. Each network slice is designed to meet specific requirements and service characteristics, allowing diverse use cases with varying performance, latency, and reliability needs to coexist on the same infrastructure.

  1. Slice Instance Management:
    • The NS-GW is responsible for creating, modifying, and deleting network slices based on the requirements specified by service providers or network operators.
  2. Slice Selection and Attachment:
    • It determines the appropriate network slice for a particular subscriber or application based on the requested service characteristics.
    • The NS-GW ensures the proper attachment of user equipment (UE) to the selected slice.
  3. Traffic Routing and Isolation:
    • The NS-GW routes user data traffic to and from the corresponding network slice.
    • It ensures the isolation of traffic between different slices, maintaining the integrity and security of each slice.
  4. Quality of Service (QoS) Enforcement:
    • The NS-GW enforces QoS policies for each network slice, ensuring that the required level of performance is maintained for applications and services within that slice.
  5. Mobility Management:
    • It handles mobility-related functions, allowing seamless movement of UEs across different parts of the network while maintaining the continuity of the connection within the assigned slice.
  6. Interworking with External Networks:
    • The NS-GW facilitates communication between the 5G network slices and external networks, such as the internet or other non-3GPP networks.
  7. Policy and Charging Control:
    • The NS-GW interfaces with the Policy and Charging Function (PCF) to enforce policies related to charging, billing, and resource usage within each network slice.
  8. Security Functions:
    • It incorporates security mechanisms to protect the network slices from unauthorized access, attacks, and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of communication within each slice.